Turn on the Light

We don’t usually have to worry about having enough light, or wondering if we will have light again. We have the benefit of flipping a switch, and the confidence that the sun will rise again the next day. Yes, there are the days we have power outages or disaster strikes, but usually, even then, we know there will be light again.

After living in Russia for a year and visiting Estonia, I had a new appreciation for the power and comfort of light. When the sun begins to set at 3:30 in the afternoon, night is much longer than the day. And the day is much dimmer and not as bright as here, in Texas- where the skies are big and wide. The day, for me, felt gloomier and heavy– almost as if a depression was sinking down over the land. It felt as if part of the recipe of happiness, a good amount of sunshine and light, was missing from the air. I needed light.

What is it about light?

Maybe this is why the word, “light” is used in Psalm 27. There is something powerful about it:

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life; whom shall I dread.

Light. I began to have a renewed gratefulness for it. Now, I like to have the sunlight in my house, not just outside. This is why I like windows, windows that are open and windows without any coverings or curtains. The first rays of the morning, softly whisper greetings for the new day. The afternoon sun gives a different kind of light, one of warmth and of brightness. And even the twilight has a peace about it, and reminds me that a new day will come. What does light do for you?

Direction and confidence

In the darkness a light gives visibility to our path. It gives confidence in the direction we are going. It feels very necessary. I love reading the Little House in the Prairie stories. In these book, light and fire were essential for living. A fire was precious, because it enabled them to eat, to have warmth and even to see to do things. Sometimes Ma put a lamp in the window to guide Pa or others to their home when it was dark or stormy. The light penetrated the darkness, giving confidence to continue.

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105

A light also gives hope and security. Most young children like to have a night light or hall light on. Instinctively it gives them a sense of security for sleeping. Light is a source of comfort.

(Jesus speaking) I am the light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life. John 8:12

Light also illuminates what is real, what is present or correct. It shows accuracy, and gives clarity. There are times I have painted walls and I am not sure if I like the color of the paint that I just painstakingly painted. Usually we have been painting all day and finish at in the evening, when I can’t see the color as well. In the dimness I will look at the walls repeatedly, wondering what I did and why I chose that particular color. Then, usually with the light of the new day, I can see more clearly and end up liking it. Light gives us clarity. It shows us what is true.

There was the true light which coming into the world, enlightens every man. John 1:9

The True Light

Light is a great picture of who the Lord is and what He does. In other words, because the Lord is my light I have confidence, hope and security. He gives me direction. He is my comfort. In Him I can have peace. He is truth. In Him I can trust and I do not need to fear.

Light is also an image of what He does through us. We shine His light and show others what Christ is like. His light reflects from us.

You are the light of the world. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:14

Light is also a picture of His glory and radiance. He is an enduring light that will never fade or go out. He is the True Light forever.

No longer will you have the sun for light by day, nor for brightness will the moon give light; but you will have the Lord for an everlasting light, and your God for your glory. Isaiah 60:19

The Lord says He is our light. The One who created light knows the power and comfort of light. Without His light there is every reason to fear. But with His light, there is every reason for hope.